Principal Environmental Planner

This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled environmental planner to lead on complex development and infrastructure projects across the UK. Working within a growing, multidisciplinary team, you will oversee project delivery from feasibility to consent, advise on environmental and planning policy, and support junior team members-all while delivering meaningful outcomes for sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead or manage a small team to deliver environmental planning services across varied and sensitive sites
• Prepare feasibility assessments, screening/scoping reports, planning applications, and technical documentation
• Provide strategic input on environmental risk, design constraints, and mitigation strategies
• Act as the key client contact, ensuring quality and timely delivery of objectives
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders including local authorities, clients, and technical specialists
• Support wider business growth through cross-discipline collaboration and service integration
• Maintain project records, financial tracking, and billing accuracy
• Mentor and support junior colleagues through structured development and performance feedback
• Participate in internal initiatives, training, and knowledge sharing
• Ensure compliance with relevant planning, environmental, and contractual frameworks

What You'll Bring

• Degree in Environmental Planning, Town Planning, or related subject
• Chartered membership (or working toward) with a relevant body (e.g. RTPI, IEMA)
• Solid understanding of UK environmental policy, planning law, and mitigation approaches
• Proven experience managing end-to-end project delivery with commercial awareness
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience preparing planning applications and technical assessments
• Leadership skills and experience mentoring junior staff
• Organised, proactive, and collaborative approach to working across teams
• Full UK driving licence

Salary & Benefits

• £50,000 - £60,000 + annual bonus scheme
• Generous holiday allowance including your birthday off
• Private health membership with wellness and fitness benefits
• Flexible working options to support work/life balance
• Enhanced family leave (maternity and paternity)
• Pension and life assurance (4x salary)
• Cycle to work and electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Paid study leave and career development support
• Sabbatical eligibility after 3 years' service
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and mental health support
• National team events and regular local office socials
• Discounted retail gift cards and additional lifestyle perks

Why Apply?

• Take the lead on impactful environmental and planning projects across key sectors
• Be part of a supportive, ambitious, and values-driven team
• Shape your career through high-profile work, mentoring, and continuous development
• Enjoy flexibility, autonomy, and a culture that champions collaboration and innovation

Interested?

If you do not hear anything back within one week, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion, but I will retain your details for future roles.

When applying to any role through Cobalt, your CV will never be shared with a client without your prior consent. Apply in confidence below or get in touch with me (Sue Greeff) or a confidential discussion about the position via 07458161399 or send your CV to sgreeff@cobaltrecruitment.com